Hello World! Welcome Friends! No one ever asks if their house foundation is important. Likewise, you don’t have to wonder if your deck foundation matters. Everything rests on the joists and beams that support your decking, railings and furnishings! Given the tragic circumstances when decks collapse, you don’t want to take a chance on a rotten foundation.
The main cause of foundation damage is wood rot. Stop the rot before it begins by applying butyl tape during construction. What is butyl tape? This rubbery flashing material prevents moisture from penetrating the tops of the joists and beams from water and snow that drips through your deck boards.
Be Proactive
Protecting your deck starts at construction. Using a high-quality flashing tape to seal wood during construction is key. Butyl flashing tape is easy to use and is often applied as a cap to horizontal and vertical surfaces, which allows the wood to breathe. Flashing tape also holds screw tight and keeps water from entering through gaps in the deck boards.
The ledger board provides the most critical link between the deck and house. In addition to flashing tape on the board, also consider wall flash to keep water out of any gaps between the deck and house.
But what if your deck is already finished? Start by inspecting your deck annually for rotten wood, loose fasteners and shaky railings. Hire a professional inspector for peace of mind. Your family and friends will enjoy parties, dinners and special events on your deck, so don’t take a chance that they’ll be among the 6,000 people hurt each year when decks fail (according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission).
There are also simple proactive steps you can take to maintain your deck from year to year: clean and seal.
Keep it Clean
Let’s start with ways you can keep your deck from getting dirty. Don’t allow moisture to sit on your deck boards: Place potted plants on risers, shelves or tables. Keep away accessories that hold water, such as outdoor rugs that never fully dry out. If you have vegetation, such as vines, growing along the deck, cut them back to avoid damage or train them along vinyl or metal trellises that don’t touch the wood on your deck. Regularly clean off any debris because wet leaves and other trash can trap moisture.
Also, take time to thoroughly clean the deck once or twice a year. All you need is a scrub brush, water and soap. Use these steps to get a cleaner surface:
- Move off any furniture and accessories.
- Sweep away any dirt or leaves.
- Test your cleaner before using widely.
- Rinse completely to avoid a film.
- Let the deck dry before returning the furniture.
Take caution when using a power washer, as its pressure may cause wood splintering and damage. If your deck’s surface already has some splintering, pressure washing will certainly make it worse. Additionally, composite decking can be damaged if the water pressure is too high.
Use a Sealer
If you have wooden deck boards, one more step is recommended every couple of years: sealant. Not only will this help maintain the color of your deck and prevent fungus and mildew growth, but it will also serve as a preventative for rot.
Use a sealer or stain with clear sealer to cover and protect your top boards. Deck stain can be semi-translucent or opaque, but sealer is translucent. Most deck stains contain a sealer.
How often should you re-seal? That will depend on your weather and foot traffic; however, a good rule of thumb is to test it. Put a few drops of water directly on the deck boards and see if they sit on top (just as water beads up on a well-waxed car) or if it quickly sinks in. If the moisture absorbs quickly, you probably need to seal your wood. Note that composite decking does not need to be sealed.
How do you seal a wood deck? Check out this guide from Decks.com:
- Choose a good day. Temperatures should be between 50 and 90 °F.
- If you haven’t already, be sure to clean the deck. Remember to remove both furnishings and debris.
- Make it smooth. Sanding can help get rid of splinters and helps ensure the sealer adequately penetrates the wood. Be sure to clean off any sawdust — even between the cracks, before sealing.
- Stir well. Do not shake sealer, as that may cause bubbles in the finish.
- Apply the sealer. Using a brush, paint roller, or sprayer, apply a thin coat over a two-to-three-board section. Start thin.
Let it dry. The deck should be completely dry before moving back the furnishings.
These simple maintenance steps — inspect, clean and seal — will help you enjoy your deck longer. Make the most of your outdoor living space this season and for the many seasons to come!
Click the links below for any posts you have missed:
Getting Ready for Moving Day as a Family
What Are The Types of Home Insurance Available
Make your Home Exterior Look Good
Asphalt Shingles and Other Roofs
7 Questions to Ask Yourself before Buying a Rug
Steps to Selling and Moving On Quickly
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Toodles,
[…] Protect Your Deck: Why the Foundation Matters […]